INHIBITION OF EXERCISE-INDUCED BRONCHOSPASM BY ATROPINE

Abstract

The ability of atropine to inhibit exercise-induced bronchospasm was evaluated in 18 children with chronic, perennial asthma. In 17 of 18 patients, exercise-induced bronchospasm was blocked by prior inhalation of 0.1 mg/kg of atropine sulfate, administered in a randomized single blind fashion. In 14 of these 17 patients, significant bronchodilation occurred after the combination of atropine and exercise. The placebo failed to inhibit exercise-induced bronchospasm in any patient. The parasympathetic nervous system has a role in the mediation of exercise-induced bronchospasm in children.